P220-USP45, Rails, lights, night sights…???

[Ringer]

Been saving for a P220 ($620) for a while and I’m almost there. While waiting/saving I became interested in the USP45 ($650). Haven’t been able to fire either. I really like the HK but I don’t like the way magazine release works. I have fairly large hands but can’t operate it without repositioning a little; maybe it would just take some getting used to. From what I have read on THR these are both good guns, I’ll probably be happy with either.

As far as use I will likely transition this to be my primary HD handgun assuming I like it and once I’m totally used to it. With that said, there are a couple things I have been trying to decide on, primarily whether or not to order with night sights and the ST version with rails if it’s a Sig. And whether to get the full size or compact if HK. Both of the HK's seem to fit me well where as the Sig P245 is a pinch too small for me to get a good grip. The compact would be better should I decide to carry this gun. Is there noticeably more recoil in the compact USP?

Weapon Mounted Light – I’m thinking I want the Surefire with the momentary on switch on the grip and am wondering if that is a good idea or not. Not having handled one, are they easy to inadvertently activate? Is it worth getting the ST model Sig just for the rail if I plan on attaching a light? I would consider the Insight M3 but most of what I have read says Surefire is the way to go for self defense lighting.

Night Sights – I’m thinking I want the night sights regardless if I go with the light or not. Any comments? Also are there better or less expensive aftermarket night sights available making that a better option than ordering from Sig or HK that way? For the Sig it’s about $100 additional for the night sights.

As always, thanks very much for your feedback.

 

[Trisha]

as best I can

SIG or HK - if you have the hands for great ergonomics, I'd say go with the SIG.

Get the accessory rails - and plan for the future. I've yet to see or hear of an M3 failure. Terrific lights, and easily carried as a slip-on option with several carry options available/holsters. (GG&G makes a sweet little adaptor for the HK rails to permit the M3 if you go that way)

Night sights - hands down, Trijicon makes the best - but depending on your eyesight/astigmatism you should investigate Meprolight. Their bar/dot setup is absolutely wonderful! (remember - if you have to wear glasses to see to shoot, night sights will reflect off of them. . .)

Trisha

 

[Ringer]

Trisha

if you have the hands for great ergonomics, I'd say go with the SIG.

I'm assuming you are saying you like the fit and feel of the Sig?
Don't wear glasses and eyesight is not an issue, not yet anyway

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Morgan]

Well, the HK has a higher capacity, the ability to go cocked and locked, and in my experience is more durable and reliable - not that SIGs are problematic.

Most SIGs have better DA triggers, though the HK is easy to smooth out, and if you go condition one its moot.

As you said, you'll probably be really happy with either one.

 

[BerettaNut92]

How are you working the mag release?

Have you tried using your index or middle finger to release it instead of the thumb?

 

[Ringer]

Skunk

Yes, I have tried working the mag release with my finger instead of thumb and that does work, but I think I still have to reposition my grip a bit. It's just not what I'm used to. Most semi-autos I have handled I can simply push the button with my thumb without changing my grip to drop the mag. I'm sure I would get used to it, but then it would be different from my 9mm and I'm not sure that is a good idea. Speaking from the other side of my mouth, the chances of having to use it in defense of my home/family are slim and the chances of emptying the mag and having to reload are slimmer.

I am probably over analyzing it, but exchanging thoughts here sure helps. It's not often I get to spend six or seven hundred bucks on a gun, just thinking it through.

I just rembered a comment made by a salesman. It was that with the HK, when you slam a loaded mag in it will automatically release the slide. Is that true and is it the case with other 45s?

Thanks

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Pick up both guns and instinctively point them at a safe target. One will undoubtedly "point" better for you, i.e. the sights seem to clear faster, the gun feels better in your hand, etc. This is how I chose the HK over the Sig. Your results may differ.

 

[gudel]

I just rembered a comment made by a salesman. It was that with the HK, when you slam a loaded mag in it will automatically release the slide.

no this is not true. i will give you my usp45 and all its 4 mags for free if you can do it on mine believe me, i tried hard to do it, because it's kind of nice to have it close automatically while i insert a mag. it won't do it. then again that salesman probably does not have a usp and just 'heard' it from others, like the usual deal. hint: use your index finger to release the mag, you do not need to reposition your hand if your thumb can't reach the release.

 

[Watchman]

I carry a Sig P220 on duty.

I love it.

I want to carry an HK simply because it holds 12 vs. 8 on the Sig.

With the usual 3 mags on me that adds up to another 10 rounds.

The HK feels good to me and I can shoot it well. I want one. It will be my next gun.

And no... I will NOT be trading my Sig for it...

 

[Shake]

Hey Ringer,

They are both great weapons and you can't really go wrong with either.

I think you will notice some difference in recoil between the full sized USP and the compact. Once you get used to the compact though, it won't make a lot of difference. I don't even notice recoil on mine anymore (notice in the bad sense of the term).

I've come to like the mag release on the USP more than any other handgun out there. I reposition slightly, but I use my thumb and my index finger, one on either side of the release. I find this is fast, and positive.

Let us know what you pick. I've been eyeing a 220ST or 226ST as well.

Shake

 

[timbo]

It is actually stated in the USP manual (or at least my manual) that slamming a magazine into the USP may have the side effect of releasing the slide and that this is not proper operation. That being said, I've never had to use much force inserting magazines into mine. If you have to slam a magazine in hard, then you aren't pushing it in right.

 

[rebbryan]

I just rembered a comment made by a salesman. It was that with the HK, when you slam a loaded mag in it will automatically release the slide.

from what i've heard a lot of them used to do it, it wasn't designed to do it but did it, i think it was fixed though

 

[caz223]

H&K.
Best mag release in the business.
Just try accidentally releasing your mag on the H&K vs. the sig.
The H&K releases the mag when you apply your thumb and your index finger at the same time.
It becomes almost second nature.
If you seat a mag fully in a H&K and it drops the slide for you, you're seating the mag waaaay too firmly.
Everything is easy, but not accidental...